I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s
Chapter 329: I Will Not Let You Down

Chapter 329: Chapter 329: I Will Not Let You Down

Amid laughter and chatter, the four of them cleared up all the food brought to the hospital room. When Shirley stepped out to wash the lunchbox, Dezi suddenly stopped her with a clenched fist, straining to muster a smile after gathering his strength for a long time.

"Mom, I’m sorry, I was wrong."

His soft voice, both melancholic and solemn, caused Shirley’s eyes to redden as she shook her head at him.

"It’s okay, just make sure to learn well in the future."

She sighed, relieved that her child had finally come to his senses. Although it was still a bit awkward between them, she believed things would get better. After washing the lunchbox, she planned to first take Daya and Xiao Ya to the Qian Family’s home to rest. She would stay here alone to watch over Dezi during lunch.

"This lunchbox has fruits I’ve cut for you. I’m taking your sisters to Uncle Qian’s house for a break. They need to review their lessons in the afternoon. You should also rest well. They can’t stay here playing with you all day. I’ll ask the nurse to check on you. After dropping off your sisters, I’ll come back."

"Okay, Mom, you go ahead, I’ll sleep well, don’t worry."

"Good boy."

After his mother and sisters left with smiles, Dezi lay back on the hospital bed. Shortly after, Nurse Xiao Li came to speak a few words with him before leaving, reminding him to call out if he needed anything as his room was close to the nurse station.

Today was truly a joyful day. As Dezi lay down, he reached under his pillow and soon pulled out a handful of candies. He felt a sweet happiness, these were secretly placed there by his sister as she left.

She thought he hadn’t seen it.

With a full belly, he felt total relaxation and soon drifted off to sleep.

After finishing a meeting at the County Government, Shen Meng was about to leave the compound when she spotted someone rushing towards her from afar. Xiao Zhang, sharp-eyed, immediately stood in front of her.

"What’s the matter? What are you trying to do?"

"I, comrade, I am not a bad person, I’m here to find Shen Meng, I need to talk to her."

Xiao Zhang, observing the old woman in front of him with a withered appearance and disheveled look, frowned slightly but didn’t step aside.

"If you have something for our Secretary General, speak directly to me. I am the assistant, and all matters must go through me first."

Shen Meng watched from a modest distance.

Mother Xu, frustrated and incensed but fearful of provoking a reaction that could harm her son and husband, claimed revenge by Shen Meng, stared fiercely at Xiao Zhang.

"I’ll have you know, I am from Lu Family Village, even Shen Meng’s husband would call me Aunt. How dare you block my way; do you even know any manners? You are just an assistant, not an official."

"Security, security, come here, this person..."

"Stop calling, stop, I’m not a harmful person, really! I’m from Lu Family Village! Shen Meng, Shen Meng why aren’t you speaking? Guilty conscience, can’t face me, huh? I’ve asked the Police Station. They said someone reported it, huh, who else but you would report? Let me tell you, you helped that shameless woman torment my family, I won’t let you go, I’ll expose you, let everyone see your true face."

"Xiao Zhang, report to the Police."

"Yes, Secretary General."

After speaking, Shen Meng turned and headed towards her office. The County Government compound had a cafeteria, and she would eat there just the same, not wanting to waste time arguing with this old nuisance.

Xiao Zhang saw Shen Meng heading towards the office, stretched out his hand, and called over the guard.

"Send this old lady to the Police Station, and tell them that our Secretary Shen has been threatened and that it needs to be dealt with seriously."

Mother Xu thought that since they all lived in the same village, they would give her some face out of respect, but no one paid any attention to her. Seeing the guard approaching, she immediately turned and ran.

From yesterday to today, it had been a day and a night, and she hadn’t had a sip of water or a bite of food.

Finally, when she ran far enough, she dared to check her pockets, relieved to find she still had one yuan. She quickly ran to a shop and bought two oily pancakes, along with a bowl of spicy soup, spending 70 cents as she only had money and no food tickets.

Only 30 cents were left on her, and in that moment, she felt a strong pang of sadness. After some thought, she decided to head towards the hospital.

Xiao Zhang stood at the entrance of the County Government, watched as Mother Xu left, and then instructed the guard to return to their post. Now, he was the most sought-after person in Ning County, and even when he was a staff member at the commune, he had been somewhat noteworthy.

People were nearly breaking down his door with matchmaking proposals.

With a salary and position that had soared, all thanks to Secretary Shen, who also mentioned that upon her retirement, she would recommend him to Director Tang’s side. He was anticipated to be a leader-in-training and might even succeed Director Tang in the future, thus embarking his official career.

He tactfully sought to advance in his current role.

He naturally prioritized whatever matter was at hand.

"Alright, you go ahead, I will bring Secretary Shen’s lunch. These past few days with the issue at Lu’s Mansion brick kiln, Secretary Shen hasn’t rested well for several days."

The guard’s expression changed upon hearing this.

"Assistant Zhang, ask Aunt Liang in the canteen if there are any eggs left, let her make a meat and egg dish to nourish Secretary Shen’s body, eh, our Ning County relies entirely on Secretary Shen!"

"Don’t worry, I’m on it."

After finishing a big bowl of mixed noodles and a bottle of sour plum drink in her space, Shen Meng emerged, then comfortably lay down on the office’s resting bed to sleep.

When Assistant Zhang knocked on the door, it took a while before it opened, seeing Secretary Shen looking tired, he was very self-reproachful.

"Secretary General, no matter how busy you are, you have to take care of your health. Here’s the lunch specially made for you by the canteen. Please eat quickly and then have a good rest. I can handle the brick kiln this afternoon."

"Ah, Xiao Zhang, what’s there to be tired about, aren’t we here to serve the people? But you are capable. Go ahead this afternoon. It’s a good chance for me to sneak some rest and properly inspect our facilities and be strict with the workers. Here’s the list of precautions and things to inspect, I have prepared the plans already. Take a good look at it, and be careful when you’re working, I have high expectations for you."

Xiao Zhang read the document over and over again, then excitedly held it in his hands.

"Secretary General, you’ve really worked hard marking everything so precisely. Rest assured, I will not let you down, I’ll work hard and do well, and will not embarrass you."

"Very good, I’m relieved hearing this, do well."

Xiao Zhang rode off on his bicycle, clutching the documents, not even having time for lunch.

Shen Meng shook her head, placing the lunch box on the table.

Young people are easy to influence, just like naive college students. She yawned, turned, and went to the resting bed to sleep.